A wheel speed sensor bearing
The integration of an impulse wheel with a circular bearing member in a wheel speed sensor bearing addresses the mechanical vulnerability of conventional designs, enhancing reliability and reducing weight by eliminating the need for fasteners and ribs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-21
AI Technical Summary
Conventional wheel speed sensors in two-wheeler vehicles have a large, exposed impulse wheel that is prone to mechanical damage due to its size and weight, necessitating a more robust and efficient design.
A wheel speed sensor bearing integrates an impulse wheel with a circular bearing member, featuring a groove and engaging portions that minimize weight and eliminate the need for additional fasteners, while ensuring secure mounting and protection against environmental damage.
The integrated design reduces weight and prevents mechanical failure, maintaining reliability and performance without compromising on the sensor's functionality.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025079977_21052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
202400194A WHEEL SPEED SENSOR BEARINGThe following specification particularly describes the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wheel speed sensor bearing, and in particular, to a wheel speed sensor bearing used for an anti-lock braking system for a two- wheel er vehicle.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION:
[0002] An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti-skid braking system used on vehicle, such as two-wheeler vehicle. ABS operates by preventing wheels of the vehicle from locking up during braking, thereby maintaining tractive contact with a road surface and allowing a driver of a vehicle to maintain more control over the vehicle.
[0003] Typically, ABS includes wheel speed sensors, and at least two hydraulic valves within a brake hydraulic system. The ABS is communicatively coupled to an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU constantly monitors the rotational speed of each wheel. If the ECU detects that the wheel rotating significantly slower than speed of the vehicle which is a condition indicative of impending wheel lock, the ECU actuates the valves to reduce hydraulic pressure to the brake members at the affected wheel, thereby reducing a braking force on that wheel resulting in the wheel rotating relatively faster. Conversely, if the ECU detects a wheel turning significantly faster than the other wheel, then the brake hydraulic pressure is increased to the brake members of that wheel, thereby reapplying the braking force resulting in slowing down of the wheel.202400194
[0004] Typically, for a two-wheeler vehicle, the wheel speed sensor is provided with a stand-alone impulse wheel (also referred as “toner wheel”) having a relatively larger size with 2 to 3 mm thickness and a minimum of 48 slots for a motorcycle and about 31 to 37 slots in a scooter. Conventionally, the impulse wheel is mounted on the wheel hub provided with additional ribs by using fasteners. Since the impulse wheel has relatively larger size and weight, the impulse wheel is exposed to the external environment and may undergo mechanical damages during operation of the vehicle.
[0005] There is a need for an enhanced design and mounting of impulse wheel which overcomes at least drawbacks discussed herein.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simple manner that is further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter nor is it intended for determining the scope of the disclosure.
[0007] Accordingly, a wheel speed sensor bearing is disclosed. The wheel speed sensor bearing includes an impulse wheel and a circular bearing member. The impulse wheel includes a circular portion defining a first outer circumference and a first inner circumference defining a first opening. The impulse wheel further includes a plurality of slots equally spaced apart from each other and formed along the circular portion. The number of the plurality of slots is in a range of 21 to 31. The impulse wheel further includes at least one engaging portion extending from the first outer circumference. The circular bearing member defines a second outer circumference and a second inner circumference defining a second opening. The circular bearing member includes a groove formed along the second outer circumference on an outer edge. The at least one engaging portion of the impulse wheel is fitted to the groove of the circular bearing member.202400194
[0008] To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0009] The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0010] Figure 1 A illustrates an isometric view of a wheel speed sensor bearing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] Figure IB illustrates an exploded isometric view of the wheel speed sensor bearing in accordance with an embodiment of figure 1A of the present disclosure;
[0012] Figure 2A is another isometric view of the wheel speed sensor bearing in accordance with embodiments of figures 1 A and IB of the present disclosure;
[0013] Figure 2B is a sectional view of the wheel speed sensor bearing in accordance with embodiments of figures 1 A and IB of the present disclosure;
[0014] Figure 3A is a partial exploded isometric view of the wheel speed sensor bearing in accordance with embodiments of figures 1 A and IB of the present disclosure;
[0015] Figure 3B is a side perspective view of the wheel speed sensor bearing in accordance with embodiments of figures 1 A and IB of the present disclosure;
[0016] Figure 4A is an isometric view of the impulse wheel in accordance with the embodiments of figures 1 A and IB of the present disclosure;202400194
[0017] Figure 4B is an isometric view of the impulse wheel in accordance with the embodiments of figures 1 A and IB of the present disclosure;
[0018] Figure 5 A is another isometric view of the impulse wheel in accordance with the embodiments of figures 1 A and IB of the present disclosure;
[0019] Figure 5B is a sectional view of the impulse wheel in accordance with the embodiments of figures 1 A and IB of the present disclosure;
[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a wheel speed sensor bearing in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] Figure 7A illustrates an isometric view of the impulse wheel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] Figure 7B is a sectional view of the impulse wheel in accordance with an embodiment of figure 7A of the present disclosure; and
[0023] Figure 7C is a side perspective view of the impulse wheel in accordance with the with embodiments of figures 7A and 7B of the present disclosure.
[0024] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the system, one or more components of the system may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0025] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be202400194understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
[0026] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0027] In the present disclosure, relational terms such as first and second, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity from the other, without necessarily implying any actual relationship or order between such entities.
[0028] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a wheel speed sensor bearing configured to be used for an ABS of a two-wheeler vehicle.202400194
[0031] Figure 1 A illustrates an isometric view of a wheel speed sensor bearing (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wheel speed sensor bearing (10) includes an impulse wheel (12) and a circular bearing member (14) coupled to each other. The impulse wheel (12) includes a circular portion (16) defining a first outer circumference (18) and a first inner circumference (20) defining a first opening (22). Further, the impulse wheel (12) includes a plurality of slots (24) equally spaced apart from each other and formed along the circular portion (16). The number of the plurality of slots (24) is in a range of 21 to 31. Furthermore, the impulse wheel (12) includes at least one engaging portion (26) extending from the first outer circumference (18) of the circular portion (16) engaged to the circular bearing member (14). In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one engaging portion (26) extends entirely along the first outer circumference (18) of the circular portion (16).
[0032] Figure IB illustrates an exploded isometric view of the wheel speed sensor bearing (10) in accordance with an embodiment of figure 1 A of the present disclosure. The impulse wheel (12) includes the circular portion (16) defining the first outer circumference (18) and the first inner circumference (20) defining the first opening (22). Further, the impulse wheel (12) includes the plurality of slots (24) equally spaced apart from each other and formed along the circular portion (16). Furthermore, the impulse wheel (12) includes at least one engaging portion (26) extending from the first outer circumference (18) of the circular portion (16) engaged to the circular bearing member (14). In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one engaging portion (26) extends entirely along the first outer circumference (18) of the circular portion (16).
[0033] Specifically, the circular bearing member (14) defines a second outer circumference (24) and a second inner circumference (26) defining a second opening (28). Further, the circular bearing member (14) includes a groove (30) formed along the second outer circumference (24), on an outer edge (32). In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one engaging portion (26) includes an axially extending portion (34) and a plurality of inward radial portions (36) joined along202400194the first outer circumference (18) to the axially extending portion (34). The plurality of inward radial portions (36) is spaced apart from each other and formed by a crimping process. The plurality of inward radial portions (36) is fitted to the groove (30) of the circular bearing member (14). In another embodiment, the at least one engaging portion (26) includes just one inward radial portion joined along the first outer circumference (18) to the axially extending portion (34) and fitted to the groove (30) of the circular bearing member (14).
[0034] Figure 2A is another isometric view of the wheel speed sensor bearing (10) in accordance with embodiments of figures 1A and IB of the present disclosure. Figure 2B is a sectional view of the wheel speed sensor bearing (10) in accordance with embodiments of figures 1A and IB of the present disclosure. Referring to figures 2A and 2B, the impulse wheel (12) includes the plurality of slots (24) equally spaced apart from each other and formed along the circular portion (16). Furthermore, the impulse wheel (12) includes at least one engaging portion (26) extending from the first outer circumference (18) of the circular portion (16) engaged to the circular bearing member (14). In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one engaging portion (26) extends entirely along the first outer circumference (18) of the circular portion (16).
[0035] Further, the circular bearing member (14) includes the groove (30) formed along the second outer circumference (24) on the outer edge (32). In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one engaging portion (26) includes the axially extending portion (34) and a plurality of inward radial portions (36) joined along the first outer circumference (18) to the axially extending portion (34). The plurality of inward radial portions (36) is fitted to the groove (30) of the circular bearing member (14).
[0036] Figure 3A is a partial exploded isometric view of the wheel speed sensor bearing (10) in accordance with embodiments of figures 1A and IB of the present disclosure. Figure 3B is a side perspective view of the wheel speed sensor bearing (10) in accordance with embodiments of figures 1A and IB of the present202400194disclosure. Referring to figures 3A and 3B, the impulse wheel (12) includes the plurality of slots (24) equally spaced apart from each other and formed along the circular portion (16). Further, the circular bearing member (14) includes the groove (30) formed along the second outer circumference (24), on the outer edge (32). The at least one engaging portion (26) includes the axially extending portion (34) and a plurality of inward radial portions (36) joined along the first outer circumference (18) to the axially extending portion (34). The plurality of inward radial portions (36) is fitted to the groove (30) of the circular bearing member (14).
[0037] Figures 4A and 4B are isometric views of the impulse wheel (12) in accordance with the embodiments of figures 1A and IB of the present disclosure. Figures 5A is another isometric view of the impulse wheel (12) in accordance with the embodiments of figures 1A and IB of the present disclosure. Figure 5B is a sectional view of the impulse wheel (12) in accordance with the embodiments of figures 1 A and IB of the present disclosure.
[0038] Referring to figures 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, the impulse wheel (12) is coupled to the circular bearing member (14) provided to a wheel hub of a two-wheeler vehicle. Specifically, the at least one engaging portion (26) extending from the outer circumference (14) of the circular portion (16) of the impulse wheel (12) is engaged to the circular bearing member (14) provided to the wheel hub of the two-wheeler vehicle. As discussed herein, the impulse wheel (12) includes the plurality of slots (24) equally spaced apart from each other and formed along the circular portion (16). Furthermore, the impulse wheel (12) includes at least one engaging portion (26) extending entirely from the first outer circumference (18) of the circular portion (16) and engaged to the circular bearing member (14). More specifically, the at least one engaging portion (26) of the circular portion (16) of the impulse wheel (12) is engaged to the bearing member (26) to form a single integral component, also referred to as the “wheel speed sensor bearing” (10). The wheel speed sensor bearing (10) is configured to be used for an ABS of the two-wheeler vehicle. In accordance with the exemplary embodiments discussed herein, the number of the plurality of slots (24) is in a range of 21-31 applicable for all types202400194of tyre radius of two-wheeler vehicles. In one embodiment, the number of the plurality of slots (24) is a range of 26 to 31 for motorcycles. In another embodiment, the number of the plurality of slots (24) is 21 for scooters.
[0039] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a wheel speed sensor bearing (38) in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The wheel speed sensor bearing (38) includes an impulse wheel (40) coupled to a circular bearing member (42) provided to a wheel hub of a two-wheeler vehicle. The impulse wheel (40) includes a circular portion (43) defining a first outer circumference (44) and a first inner circumference (46) defining a first opening (48). Further, the impulse wheel (40) includes a plurality of slots (50) equally spaced apart from each other and formed along the circular portion (43). The number of the plurality of slots (50) is in a range of 21 to 31.
[0040] The circular bearing member (42) is similar to the bearing member (14) shown in figures 1A and IB. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of engaging portions (52) (also referred to as “lugs”) are spaced apart from each other and extend from the first outer circumference (44) of the circular portion (43) of the impulse wheel (40) and is engaged to the circular bearing member (42) provided to the wheel hub of the two-wheeler vehicle. The plurality of engaging portions (52) of the circular portion (43) of the impulse wheel (40) is engaged to the circular bearing member (42) to form a single integral component, also referred to as “wheel speed sensor bearing” (38). The wheel speed sensor bearing (38) is configured to be used for an ABS of the two-wheeler vehicle.
[0041] Specifically, the circular bearing member (42) defines a second outer circumference (54) and a second inner circumference (56) defining a second opening (58). Further, the circular bearing member (42) includes a groove (60) formed along the second outer circumference (54) on an outer edge (62). In the illustrated embodiment, each engaging portion (52) includes an axially extending portion (64) and an outward radial portion (66) joined to the axially extending202400194portion (64). The plurality of axially extending portions (64) of the engaging portions (52) is fitted to the groove (60) of the circular bearing member (42).
[0042] Figure 7A illustrates an isometric view of the impulse wheel (40) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The impulse wheel (40) includes the circular portion (43) defining the first outer circumference (44) and the first inner circumference (46) defining the first opening (48). Further, the impulse wheel (40) includes the plurality of slots (50) equally spaced apart from each other and formed along the circular portion (43). Furthermore, the impulse wheel (40) includes the plurality of engaging portions (52) spaced part from each other and extends from the first outer circumference (44) of the circular portion (43) and engaged to the circular groove (60) of the circular bearing member (42). In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of engaging portions (52) (i.e. lugs) spaced apart from each other and extends from the first outer circumference (44) of the circular portion (43). Each engaging portion (52) includes the outward radial portion (66) and the axially extending portion (64) joined to the outward radial portion (66). In another embodiment, each engaging portion (52) may additionally include an inward radial portion (not shown) joined to the axially extending portion (64).
[0043] Figure 7B is a sectional view of the impulse wheel (40) in accordance with an embodiment of figure 7A of the present disclosure. Figure 7C is a side perspective view of the impulse wheel (40) in accordance with the embodiments of figures 7A and 7B of the present disclosure. With reference to figures 7B and 7C, as discussed herein the impulse wheel (40) includes the plurality of slots (50) equally spaced apart from each other and formed along the circular portion (43). Furthermore, the impulse wheel (40) includes the plurality of engaging portions (52) spaced apart from each other and extend from the first outer circumference (44) of the circular portion (43) and engaged to the groove (60) of the circular bearing member (42).202400194
[0044] In accordance with the embodiments discussed herein with reference to figures 1A-7C, the number of the plurality of slots (24) is in a range of 21-31 applicable for all types of tyre radius of two-wheeler vehicles. In one embodiment, the number of the plurality of slots (24) is a range of 26 to 31 for motorcycles. In another embodiment, the number of the plurality of slots (24) is 21 for scooters.
[0045] In accordance with exemplary embodiments discussed herein, size of each slot (20, 40) is in a range of 0.8 mm to 2 mm. In certain embodiments, a spacing between the mutually adjacent slots (24, 50) in a range of 0.8 mm to 2 mm.
[0046] In some embodiments, an outer diameter of the impulse wheel (12, 40) is in a range of 30 mm to 52 mm. In certain embodiments, the weight of the impulse wheel (12, 40) is in a range of 3 grams to 10 grams.
[0047] The exemplary impulse wheel discussed herein in accordance with the present disclosure has relatively less thickness with minimum number of slots and is integrated to a bearing member itself. Mass and diameter of the exemplary impulse wheel are minimized without compromising a performance output compared to a conventional impulse wheel. Further, since the exemplary impulse wheel is integrated to the bearing member, there is no requirement for use of additional fasteners and ribs on wheel hub to mount the impulse wheel resulting in further weight reduction. Additionally, the coupling of the at least one engaging portion of the impulse wheel to the groove provided in the circular bearing member, prevents slippage of the impulse wheel from the circular bearing member during different load operating conditions of the two-wheeler vehicle. Furthermore, there is no compromise on the reliability of the exemplary impulse wheel since mechanical failure arising from external environment damages are prevented.
[0048] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.202400194
[0049] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
Claims
202400194WE CLAIM:
1. A wheel speed sensor bearing (10, 38) comprising:an impulse wheel (12, 40) comprising:a circular portion (16, 43) defining a first outer circumference (18, 44) and a first inner circumference (20, 46) defining a first opening (22, 48);a plurality of slots (24, 50) equally spaced apart from each other and formed along the circular portion (16, 43), wherein the number of the plurality of slots (24, 50) is in a range of 21 to 31; and at least one engaging portion (26, 52) extending from the first outer circumference (18, 44); anda circular bearing member (14, 42) defining a second outer circumference (24, 54) and a second inner circumference (26, 56) defining a second opening (28, 58), wherein the circular bearing member (14, 42) comprises a groove (30, 60) formed along the second outer circumference (24, 54), on an outer edge (32, 62), andwherein the at least one engaging portion (26, 52) of the impulse wheel (12, 40) is fitted to the groove (30, 60) of the circular bearing member (14, 42).
2. The wheel speed sensor bearing (10, 38) as claimed in claim 1, wherein size of each slot (24, 50) is in a range of 0.8 mm to 2 mm.
3. The wheel speed sensor bearing (10, 38) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a spacing between the mutually adjacent slots (24, 50) in a range of 0.8 mm to 2 mm.
4. The wheel speed sensor bearing (10, 38) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one engaging portion (26, 52) extends entirely along the first outer circumference (18, 44) of the circular portion (16, 43).2024001945. The wheel speed sensor bearing (10, 38) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one engaging portion (26, 52) comprises an axially extending portion (34) and at least one inward radial portion (36) joined to the axially extending portion (34), wherein the at least one inward radial portion (36) is fitted to the groove (30) of the circular bearing member (14).
6. The wheel speed sensor bearing (10, 38) as claimed in claim 5, comprising a plurality of inward radial portions (36) spaced apart from each other and formed by a crimping process, wherein the plurality of inward radial portions (36) is fitted to the groove (30) of the circular bearing member (14).
7. The wheel speed sensor bearing (10, 38) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one engaging portion (26, 52) comprises a plurality of lugs (52) spaced apart from each other, wherein each lug (52) comprises an outward radial portion (66) and an axially extending portion (64) joined to the outward radial portion (66), wherein the axially extending portion (64) is fitted to the groove (60) of the circular bearing member (42).
8. The wheel speed sensor bearing (10, 38) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an outer diameter of the impulse wheel (12, 40) is in a range of 30 mm to 52 mm.
9. The wheel speed sensor bearing (10, 38) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight of the impulse wheel (12, 40) is in a range of 3 grams to 10 grams.
10. The wheel speed sensor bearing (10, 38) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wheel speed sensor bearing (10, 38) is configured to be used for an ABS for a two- wheel er vehicle.